Captain Matthew Webb, Swam from Dover, England to Calais, France, from World's Champions, Series 2 (N29) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

This vibrant chromolithograph from 1888 captures Captain Matthew Webb, the English Channel swimmer who made history in 1875 by becoming the first person to swim 21-mile stretch from Dover, England, to Calais,—in 21 hours and 45 minutes. Produced by lithographers Eddy & Claus for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes as part of their "World's Champions, Series 2 (N29)," this tiny card (just 2¾ x 1½ inches) immortalizes Webb as a heroic athlete, embodying the era's fascination with human endurance and Victorian-era celebrity. As a commercial color lithograph, the print exemplifies the advanced chromolithography techniques of the late 19th century, layering vibrant hues to create lifelike portraits on affordable ephemera. These cigarette cards were wildly popular collectibles, inserted into tobacco packs to entice buyers and promote the brand, transforming everyday products into gateways for trading heroes from sports, exploration, and beyond. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this piece highlights the intersection of commerce, sports, and print culture. Webb's daring feat inspired generations of athletes, though his life ended tragically in 1883 attempting to swim Niagara Falls—reminding us of the perilous pursuit of glory in Gilded Age America.

About the Artist

Lindner, Eddy & Claus|Allen & Ginter (American|American) · | – |

American, Richmond, Virginia|American, New York